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Superintendent

Dr. Smith

Dr. Anthony W. Smith was appointed by the Clayton County Board of Education on December 5, 2022, to serve as the Interim Superintendent of Clayton County Public Schools. On June 27, 2023, during a scheduled Work Session, the Board amended and extended his contract making him Superintendent/CEO of Schools. Prior to his initial appointment, Dr. Smith served as Clayton County Public Schools Deputy Superintendent of Governmental Relations, Partnerships, and Operations. As Superintendent, Dr. Smith leads one of the nation’s top 100 largest school districts and the sixth largest school systems in the State of Georgia. Dr. Smith has several years of experience and notable accomplishments in a variety of leadership roles throughout his tenure in the school district. 
Beginning his career with CCPS in 1995 as a Computer Technology teacher, he was a classroom instructor for four years before being selected to serve in a variety of administrative positions in multiple school systems. These administrative roles include assistant principal and principalships at the middle and high school levels, Chief Academic Officer, Assistant Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent. Additionally, Dr. Smith previously served eight honorable years in the United States Air Force and three years as a branch president in the financial industry.

Due to his deep roots and strong community ties throughout Clayton County, Dr. Smith is highly regarded as a dedicated leader with a transformative and innovative approach to education and those elements designed to improve the educational experience and outcomes of all students. As Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Smith was instrumental in the re-establishment of the Clayton County Public Schools Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars used to support Clayton County Public Schools students by providing thousands of scholarships to graduating seniors and sponsoring numerous employee initiatives. 

As a direct result of his nearly 30 years of service in the field of education and working collaboratively with numerous business, collegiate, and religious community leaders, he has received multiple recognitions including but not limited to the Outstanding Servant in Educational Leadership Award (2015 - Association of Christian Ministers of Clayton County); Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Vision (2016 - Elite Scholars Charter School); Living Legend Award (2016 - Forest Park Ministers Association) and an Appreciation Award (2022 - Clayton County Office of Economic Development). Dr. Smith has also received numerous United States Armed Forces awards and decorations associated with his distinguished service in the military.

Dr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from New Hampshire College, a Master of Science in Business Education from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Master of Science in Education Leadership from Jacksonville State University. In addition, he holds an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Columbus State University and a Doctoral degree in Education with an emphasis in Educational Leadership from Georgia Southern University. Professionally, Dr. Smith has completed the Urban Superintendent Academy sponsored by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) in Washington, DC, the Aspiring Superintendents Institute sponsored by the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSC) in Chicago, Illinois, the Power of 100 Leadership Development, Georgia School Leadership for School Improvement (GLISI), and the Governor’s School Leadership Institute. He also maintains membership in the National Association of Secondary School Principals, American Association of School Administrators, Georgia Educator Association, Georgia Association of Educational Leaders, and the Clayton County Educators Association.

Additional previous roles and appointments include serving as Governing Board Council for Elite Scholars Academy and Board Member of Rainbow House Emergency Shelter for Children. Dr. Smith’s civic and social activities include being a member of the Masonic Order (Prince Hall), the Stockbridge-Jonesboro Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, and a member of New Hope Methodist Church.  When not working, Dr. Smith enjoys golfing, boating, traveling in his RV, trying new restaurants, attending sporting events, going to plays and concerts, and spending time with his family and friends. He has two adult children (Chris and Briana) and two grandchildren (Asianne and Rami) who he adores.  

Dr. Anthony W. Smith

Superintendent/CEO of Schools

Clayton County Public Schools